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On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

Luke 24:1–9

As an educator, I repeat myself constantly. Working with diverse learners, I understand that not everyone will remember, understand, or even hear me. However, as a mother, when my children forget my words, my frustration soars while empathy plummets. I expect more from my children; they live with me, so shouldn’t they know by now what I want?!

Today’s passage reminds us that on the first Easter Sunday, even Jesus’ disciples and closest friends forgot a huge detail. Two angels had to remind them of Jesus’ words. Upon initial reading, some of us may think, “How could they?!” while others may think, “Gosh, Jesus sure was patient!” I hold and validate both reactions. We see a habit of forgetfulness in God’s people and an unending grace and forgiveness from God. Both occurrences are not mutually exclusive in God’s system. Even though His people forget Him and His blessings, He never forgets His people, choosing to forgive time and time again. 

Remember when the Israelites complained that they’d rather be enslaved again because they had no food (Exodus 16)? They were ungrateful and “hangry,” and they forgot how God just saved them. Yet, how did God respond? He fed them. Remember when Jesus was resting while everyone was scrambling inside a tumbling boat (Luke 8)? The disciples were scared and accused Jesus of not caring; they forgot all of Jesus’ miracles. Yet, how did Jesus respond? He stopped the storm. 

Wow. 

Unlike me, God extends copious amounts of grace and forgiveness toward His children. He knows challenging situations and overwhelming emotions could prevent His people from remembering His promises and blessings. We need reminders. The celebration of Resurrection Sunday is an epic reminder for all of us who tend to forget—God never stops extending grace. He never stops forgiving! 

Next Steps

• Read all of Luke Chapter 24. What did you learn about Jesus, and how is He meeting you in your story today?
• Remind yourself of all the ways God has extended grace and forgiveness to you. Consider writing them down so you can reread them when you forget.

21 Days of Prayer

God, today I celebrate that “He is Risen!”  Help me have a fresh encounter of the reality of the resurrection in my own life. And help me boldly share this with all the people you place in my path. (Luke 24:1–9)